Sounds of Mike Williams

Labor of Love MusicRaleigh, NC, USA

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About

Mike Williams is a seasoned musician and songwriter based in Raleigh, North Carolina. Drawing inspiration from iconic acts like the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Eric Clapton, Klaatu, and the timeless sound of classic Chicago blues, he has been crafting original music since the late 1970s.

During the 1980s, Mike actively pitched his songs, seeking a recording or publishing deal in the industry. By the 1990s, however, he grew disillusioned with the increasingly formulaic demands of major labels. Turning inward, he and his brother began writing and recording their original material in a dedicated 4-track home studio, building a rich catalog of unreleased work.

Today, Mike continues to share his music through projects like the Yesteryear Project, which revives and re-records gems from his earlier years.

In late 2011, Mike decided to write, record and produce his debut album Leaving Dystopia which was released in February 2013 and remastered in December 2022. Leaving Dystopia continues to be widely listened to across the world.

In 2018, Mike released his follow-up album, Hollow Moon which contains 8 original songs. Hollow Moon was remixed and remastered in November 2023.

In May 2023, Mike released his third album No More Gods, consisting of 10 original tracks.

In December 2023, Mike released two compilation albums: A Decade of Rockers and A Decade of Blues and Ballads. The collections span ten years of his original music from 2013 to 2023. Both albums can be purchased on Bandcamp.

In December 2025, Mike released Love Roller Coaster, an 8-song collection that dives into the ups and downs of relationships—the highs, heart-pounding twists, emotional drops, and unexpected turns that define love, connection and sometimes breakup. Curated from Mike's previously released catalog, it includes standout tracks like his top-streamed song of 2025, "Wrecking Ball". The digital version is available for streaming and purchase on Bandcamp (high-quality downloads and streaming). The vinyl edition (8 tracks) is currently available and can be ordered from Elasticstage (ships from the UK).

Mike completed recording all tracks for Yesteryear in February 2026, wrapping up an ambitious 22-month project. The Yesteryear Project revives previously unreleased original songs and demos written between 1979 and 1992—archival material originally captured on 4-track and 8-track machines, reel-to-reel tape, and cassette. These songs have been faithfully revisited and re-recorded in full 24-track detail, reimagining them with fresh perspective while preserving their original melodies, spirit, and essence. The album features a core of 10 songs, plus Mike's new 2026 composition "Mr. Charles" as a special bonus eleventh track. The digital version (11 tracks) is now available for streaming and purchase on Bandcamp. The vinyl edition (also 11 tracks) is also available can be ordered from Elasticstage (ships from the UK).

Mike plans to release another 10-song album sourced from 17 unreleased demos written by his late stepdaughter. The initiative is expected to take a year to complete with a target date of March 2027, and will be dedicated to her memory and talent. Kate, you are loved and missed.

Since February 2013, when Mike released Leaving Dystopia, his catalog of songs has been streamed 8.8 million times on major streaming sites as well as receiving 530,000 listens on Soundcloud and 91,000 plays on Reverbnation..

For a deeper look into Mike's musical journey, check out this engaging interview: From Tom Dooley to Yesteryear: A Lifetime in Music - Q&A with Mike Williams.

Mike's unique style and fusion of influences shine through in his refreshing and relevant collection of songs, which he hopes will help awaken your inner spirit. Enjoy!

All of Mike's music is available for listening on Soundcloud, Reverbnation, SoundClick, HearThis.at, and all major streaming sites. Mike's music can be purchased on Bandcamp and Reverbnation.

Today, Mike continues to share his music through projects like the Yesteryear Project, which revives and re-records gems from his earlier years.

In 2018, Mike released his follow-up album, Hollow Moon which contains 8 original songs. Hollow Moon was remixed and remastered in November 2023.

In May 2023, Mike released his third album No More Gods, consisting of 10 original tracks.

For a deeper look into Mike's musical journey, check out this engaging interview: From Tom Dooley to Yesteryear: A Lifetime in Music - Q&A with Mike Williams.

Mike's unique style and fusion of influences shine through in his refreshing and relevant collection of songs, which he hopes will help awaken your inner spirit. Enjoy!

All of Mike's music is available for listening on Soundcloud, Reverbnation, SoundClick, HearThis.at, and all major streaming sites. Mike's music can be purchased on Bandcamp and Reverbnation.

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